Exploring the cultural factors affecting E-cigarette use among young adults in China: Utilizing the PEN-3 cultural model.

OBJECTIVE

Cultural identity shapes individuals' health priorities and decision-making processes. This study aimed to explore cultural factors affecting e-cigarette use and related behaviors among young adults.

METHODS

This study employed descriptive phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews with 43 young adlut vapers in China. Thematic analysis of the interview data, guided by the PEN-3 cultural model, explored participants' personal experiences and culturally relevant beliefs regarding e-cigarette use.

RESULTS

Nine sub-themes were organized within the domains of the PEN-3 cultural model matrix. These sub-themes coalesced into three key themes: 1) perceptions: beliefs, knowledge, and values about e-cigarette use, 2) enablers: social impacts and regulations on e-cigarette use, and 3) nurturers: social network resources for e-cigarette users. Each key theme demonstrated positive, existential, and negative factors influencing young adults' vaping behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Factors promoting young adult vaping included perceived benefits, social acceptability, accessibility, and peer/friend motivation. Conversely, inhibiting factors encompassed perceived barriers, control policies, and family norms. Existential factors-consideration of future consequences, materialism, ritualism, and self-construction-were identified as less mutable influences. All factors exhibited variation between single and dual users.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION: This research advances understanding of culturally situated young adult vaping. Distinctions between user groups offer an actionable foundation for targeted interventions-informing distinct strategies for single-users and dual-users based on their unique cultural contexts and risk profiles.